Private Waters
Private Waters – Fly Fishing in Southern Utah
The Fremont River
The Fremont River is the crown jewel of less traveled waters which meander through awe inspiring red bluffs near the Capitol Reef National Park. The mountains meet the high desert in South Central Utah where the Fremont forms perfect habitat and world class fly fishing for Brown, Rainbow, Cutthroat, Brook and Tiger Trout.
Waters near Teasdale & Torrey are 99% on private ground, which offers no access without landowners written permission. Downstream from highway 12, the Fremont enters public access again and continues into the national park. Trout numbers dwindle in this section and it does offer some remote access to those willing to hike and bushwack.
Capitol Reef National Park
Bordering our private fly fishing waters on the Fremont River is Capitol Reef National Park. The Velvet Ridge, thousand foot red rock cliffs, border the river and are home to various Eagles, Hawks and Falcons. The private waters of uniquely beautiful red Moenkopi Sandstone as a backdrop and lush green riparian zones, the Fremont gets into your soul!
Pioneer Wagon Trail & The Pendleton Bridge
Our most remote canyon section was the pioneer wagon route through the areas rough flash flood prone washes. Two bridges were constructed allowing them across the Fremont’s high banks. The Pendleton bridge, named after a mormon polygamist that originally settled in Fruita, likely used this bridge as often as anyone. This is a frequent stop for our guides to reminisce about what it might have fished like and even make a cast at a rising fish!
Southern Utah’s Fremont River is home to consistent dry-fly fishing throughout the season. With over 10 miles of exclusive private stream waters and two spring-fed lakes, the adventurous angler can also get away from the crowds.
The unique mix of spring creek and high mountain freestone stream waters come together to form this incredible fishery. A consistent slow drop in elevation affords our guests varied water types in every section. Deep pools, shallow riffles, pocket water, meandering meadows with undercuts, side channels and islands as well as slick runs. Most of these waters are waist deep or less and water temperatures allow for perfect wet wading.
Our quality spring-fed lakes produce monstrous rainbows in gin-clear water. Healthy hatches of Dragonflies, Damselflies, Callibaetis and scuds support hard fighting fish. With good flows in and out of the lakes, you will not find mid summer algae blooms…just quality fishing throughout the season and perfect conditions for float tubing. One lake is large enough for a good number of float tubes or boats to find plenty of their own space. Shallow waters attract large cruisers and aggressive top water takes with damsel dries. Rainbows are commonly caught in the 16-22 inch range with some over 10 pounds.
HATCHES
Aquatic life on the Fremont is abundant. Midges, Mayflies, Caddis, Stoneflies and Terrestrials are all present. Some of the prolific hatches include; Baetis, Tricorythodes, Sulfurs, Brachycentrus, Golden Stoneflies, Yellow Sallies, Pteronarcys (Salmonflies), Craneflies and terrestrials.
Some specific bugs are more prevalent on specific sections just like any other fishery and great hatches are found throughout the ranch waters. The river is a perfect dry fly fishery, but guides will typically use nymphs and streamers during spring and fall to increase catch rates.
TROUT SPECIES
Trout are big, wild and so are the views. Browns are most common with a good number of rainbows. Occasional cutthroat, brook trout and even tiger trout can be found in certain stretches. We do not stock our private waters and have always enjoy healthy populations of self-sustaining wild trout.
Experienced anglers during prime season and mild weather can expect to bring 20-60 fish to net after a full day on the river. Due to our efforts to minimize angling pressure throughout the properties, trout are not as leader shy as many other private waters. And they are not too picky either.
For instance, during a Baetis hatch in the spring, a size 14 Parachute Adams could be fished with 5x-6x tippet. Of course, there are more experienced fish on the ranch, but most are not too picky. But they are spooky…so stealth is a must and so are soft presentations.
Anglers will find good access points with their guides and little struggle to reach every bend. There is not a straight section on the entire river and therefore you’ll usually have a short walk back to the truck after a long session of targeting trout.
Southern Utah is the erosion capital of the world and therefore countless undercut banks and sandy bottoms. Easy wading is the norm with smaller pebbles and the occasional rock garden. Wading is easy for any ability level.
Guides transport clients to and from fly fishing. When we are busy, exclusive beats of 2 or more miles are assigned to each guide to maximize the experience.
Recognized by National Geographic Traveler and Sunset Magazines as one of the best lodges or bed and breakfasts near Capitol Reef National Park, Skyridge Inn Bed & Breakfast is the perfect destination for your memorable Utah vacation.
Here, you can escape the overwhelming hustle-bustle of the cities and put aside your daily responsibilities to let the refreshing natural air and stunning surroundings help you rejuvenate and unwind. Settle into a charming room that features a comfortable bed, private bath, and in-room refrigerator;
They offer lodge guests 10% off our private water guide fees upon request. Non-guided rod fees may be available on a first-come-first-served basis to lodge guests. Call us well in advance for availability as spots are limited.
Reservations can be made online or by calling the lodge directly. (435) 425-3222
The Sevier River
Experience fly fishing another southern Utah stream with prolific hatches and breathtaking scenery. The Sevier River’s banks are lined with towering limestone cliffs covered with Pinon Pine trees and Cedars. Wild Turkeys are frequent visitors to the property. A glance into the adjacent alfalfa fields reward us with herds of deer and sometimes even antelope.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Just 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park, our several miles of access allows a nice full-day in paradise as you get away from any crowds. Other public waters nearby allow for multi-day fly fishing options as well. Couple a half-day of fly fishing and tour the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon for a day you won’t soon forget!
River Facts
The name of the river is derived from the spanish Río Severo, “violent river”. The Sevier is the longest river entirely within the state of Utah. Our private stretch on the east fork, interestingly is not violent and very slowly meandering in nature.
Be prepared to sight-fish New Zealand style as large fish are frequently seen sipping dries off the surface. Dry fly activity throughout the season can be expected. Nymphing and streamers are also very productive in the varied water types. Healthy populations of Brown, Rainbow, Brook and Cutthroat trout abound.
Other Private Waters
We continue to support and protect existing resources, promote catch-and-release practices and intensify our belief in the wild trout concept. At the same time, we began looking for waters where anglers might enjoy quality, secluded fly fishing for a modest fee.
Due to the delicate nature of some of our properties and limited access, we offer many location which are not advertised. When booking private water access, you may have the option of visiting more than one property. Each of these ranches offer productive fishing which are largely affected by seasonal hatches and weather conditions. We encourage you to call us and ask any questions you might have so that we can meet angling expectations. We recommend calling us if you wish to specifically experience one vs another.